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Olubadan Of Ibadanland Clarifies He Did Not Snub Alaafin At Interfaith Gathering

Anambra Govt Orders Church To Reduce Noise Disrupting School

Wale busari03 mins

The Anambra State government has directed churches near schools to avoid generating excessive noise that disrupts academic activities. The warning came from the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, on Wednesday, following complaints about a private school in Onitsha. The proprietress of the school, Lady Ngozi Udeh, petitioned the ministry against Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, located directly opposite the school. The petition stated that the church, which built its auditorium in 2024, has recently increased its activities, producing loud noise, particularly on Tuesdays when services reportedly run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. “The noise has consistently distracted students and teachers, severely disrupting teaching and learning during official school hours. Despite several verbal appeals to the church leadership, the situation has not improved,” the petition said. Speaking to both parties, Chuma-Udeh emphasized that Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo would not tolerate actions that infringe on students’ right to learn in a peaceful environment. “Noise pollution is an offence under Nigerian law and is punishable once established. Religious institutions must ensure that noise from their premises is properly contained, especially when schools are within hearing distance,” she stated. She noted that the school had been in the area long before the church and urged the religious body to find ways to coexist peacefully, describing mutual respect as a core principle of Christianity. She instructed the church to reschedule weekday activities to start from 4:00 pm, after school hours, warning that failure to comply could lead to involvement from the Ministry of Environment and possible legal action. “While churches may hold activities throughout the day on weekends, external examinations such as WAEC, NECO, and JAMB must take priority, even on Saturdays,” she added. The Assistant Pastor of Divine Dominion Prophetic Ministry, Emmanuel Ukpabi, assured the ministry that the church would take steps to ensure harmony and peaceful coexistence with the school.

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Newswatch Co-Founder Yakubu Mohammed Dies At 75

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Yakubu Mohammed, a co-founder of Newswatch magazine and former deputy chief executive officer of the publication, has died at the age of 75. Sources said he had been ill for some time before his death, although the nature of the illness was not disclosed. As of the time of filing this report, the family had yet to issue an official statement. His death comes just weeks after the passing of his close associate and fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025, after a prolonged illness. In October 2025, Mohammed published his memoir, Beyond Expectations, offering a detailed account of the rise of Newswatch and personal reflections on its early days. The book revisited key moments in the magazine’s history, including the period following the 1986 assassination of founding editor-in-chief Dele Giwa and the internal battles that followed. Mohammed co-founded Newswatch in 1984 alongside Agbese, Ray Ekpu and Dele Giwa, playing a key role in building the magazine into a leading voice in investigative journalism during Nigeria’s military rule. His passing represents another major loss from the magazine’s founding generation. Born on April 4, 1950, Mohammed hailed from Ologba in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. He attended St Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba; Government Secondary School, Okene; the University of Lagos; and the Glasgow College of Technology in Scotland. He began his journalism career at New Nigerian Newspapers, where he served as associate editor and later managing editor. He later moved to National Concord, rising from deputy editor to editor before co-founding Newswatch. At Newswatch, Mohammed held several senior positions, including executive editor, managing editor and deputy chief executive officer of Newswatch Communications Limited. Beyond journalism, he served as a director at Yadara Nigeria Limited and Lastop Limited, and was a member of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association and the Nigerian Guild of Editors. He also served as pro-chancellor and chancellor of the governing council of Ahmadu Bello University.

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Matthew Kukah Denies Claims He Said Christians Are Not Persecuted In Nigeria

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Matthew Kukah, Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, has rejected claims that he denied the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, saying his comments were wrongly interpreted. The cleric spoke on Sunday while appearing on Boiling Point, a radio programme, where he addressed reports linking his remarks to the ongoing debate over religious violence and insecurity in the country. The controversy followed the decision by United States President Donald Trump on October 31 to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over allegations of systematic violations of religious freedom, including claims of a Christian genocide. The CPC label is applied to countries accused of “systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom.” The Nigerian government has repeatedly dismissed allegations of a Christian genocide. However, in November, Trump warned that the United States could intervene militarily to protect Christians, after several US politicians continued to raise concerns about killings in Nigeria. On December 25, the US carried out airstrikes on two terrorist camps located in the Bauni forest area of Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Clarifying his position, Kukah said his statements had been taken out of context. “I never denied the killing of our people [Christians],” he said. “I don’t want to go into the details of the mischaracterisation of what I said, but it shocked me that Christians were going around saying that I said there is no persecution of Christians in Nigeria. “The only clarification I can give is that I have never denied that there is persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Whether it’s persecution, whether it’s genocide, by God, this thing ought not to have happened. “Wherever we can get help from, Trump, whatever, these killings ought not to have happened in the first place.” Kukah also stressed that the security crisis in Nigeria affects citizens across religious lines, noting that no group is immune from the threat of violence and abduction. “In my central argument about security in Nigeria, it doesn’t matter where you are, whether you are Muslim, whether you are Christian, you are in danger of being abducted,” he said.

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FG, ASUU Sign Landmark Agreement To Strengthen Universities

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The Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have reached a new agreement aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s university system and promoting academic stability. The pact, which replaces the 2009 agreement that had repeatedly triggered strikes over unresolved issues, was signed and unveiled on Wednesday at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Conference Hall in Maitama, Abuja. The event was attended by top officials, including the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, expressed cautious optimism about the deal, noting the union’s long history of industrial disputes with the government. He said the union hopes the new agreement will be implemented fully without the need for strike threats. “We are optimistic that the government will implement this agreement in totality, but pessimism still exists because of our history,” Piwuna said. “It is our belief that Dr. Tunji Alausa will be different, and that our union will not need to issue a strike threat before any part of this agreement is implemented. ASUU is open and accessible, and we expect the same from the government.” Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the agreement as a landmark moment for Nigeria’s tertiary education system. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing quality education and ensuring that academic calendars remain uninterrupted across universities. “This occasion represents far more than the presentation of a document; it symbolises renewed trust, restored confidence, and a decisive turning point in the history of Nigeria’s tertiary education system,” Alausa said. “It is a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to quality education and a stable academic calendar for all students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.” The new agreement sets the stage for improved collaboration between the government and ASUU, aiming to reduce strikes and enhance the overall quality of higher education in Nigeria.

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Seun Kuti Reveals Fela Sent Him $120,000, Taking Shot At Wizkid Comparisons

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Seun Kuti highlighted his father Fela’s lasting legacy, revealing that he received $120,000—29 years after Fela’s passing—as evidence of the Afrobeat legend’s enduring impact. He contrasted this with Wizkid FC, suggesting their fathers lack a comparable influence. Seun questioned, “How many of your fathers can do that from the grave?” underscoring that Fela’s achievements remain unmatched. He stressed that comparisons between Wizkid and Fela are misguided, given Fela’s extraordinary stature. Seun added, “Fela’s son. Fela is still blessing me from the grave 29 years later. How many of your fathers can do that from the grave? None, because your fathers are not accomplished. Wizkid and DJ Tunez are enjoying the clout, which is why they won’t come out to say, ‘Stop disrespecting Fela in my name.’”   View this post on Instagram  

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Osun Governor Adeleke Calls Son’s Bride Perfect Match, Thanks Adio Family At Traditional Wedding

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, moved guests with a heartfelt speech at the traditional wedding of his son, Gbolahan, and bride, Damilola Adio, held last weekend in Lagos. A video of his remarks went viral on Tuesday, showing the governor reflecting on fatherhood, love, and the journey that led to his son finding the right partner. Adeleke recounted his long conversations with Gbolahan about marriage, noting that his son often joked he was still “testing” potential partners. Over the years, he observed Gbolahan’s relationships closely and realized they shared similar tastes in women. “I always knew the women he brought home before weren’t his match,” Adeleke said. “But the day he brought Damilola home, I hugged him and knew he had found the one.” He also expressed gratitude to the bride’s family for welcoming his son and entrusting Damilola to the Adeleke family. “Adio family, all the calls, the trips to London, all the efforts to introduce ourselves and seek your approval—it led to this day. My son had been testing, but the moment he introduced Damilola, I knew it was right,” Adeleke said. The governor concluded by celebrating the union and promising to care for Damilola. “This is the day the Lord has made, and we rejoice. We thank you for letting us marry your daughter, and we will take care of her,” he said. The ceremony highlighted the bond between the Adeleke and Adio families and drew widespread attention online for its warmth and emotion. 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐖𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜, 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐤𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 Credit: Instagram | GoldMyne—Follow us for more breaking news and videos pic.twitter.com/57M44vsJFQ — Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) January 14, 2026

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Court Fixes January 23 For Hearing On PDP Faction’s Stay Of Proceedings Application

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed January 23, 2026, to hear an application by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to stay proceedings in a suit filed by a rival faction aligned with Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the matter to allow the plaintiffs’ counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, to respond to the motion for a stay filed by the Turaki-led faction. The Wike-aligned PDP, led by Acting National Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman and factional National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, filed the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/2501/2025) seeking to restrain the Turaki-led faction (5th to 25th defendants) from acting as representatives of the party or accessing the PDP national secretariat at Wadara Plaza, Abuja. The plaintiffs also asked the court to prevent the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any office address submitted by the Turaki-led faction, insisting that previous High Court judgments by Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu be fully enforced. The dispute escalated after Justice Abdulmalik granted an ex-parte order restricting action pending the suit’s determination. The Turaki-led faction challenged the ruling at the Court of Appeal and filed a motion to stay further proceedings in the High Court pending the appeal. Chief Chris Uche, SAN, representing the Turaki-led faction, also requested the judge recuse herself, citing a reasonable apprehension of bias and alleging that past rulings in similar PDP disputes favored the Wike-aligned faction. He urged that the case be reassigned to another judge. Ikpeazu, counsel for the plaintiffs, countered that filing an appeal does not automatically halt proceedings, and the High Court has the power to continue the case while the appeal is pending. He added that the Turaki-led faction had not moved to set aside the prior orders. Justice Abdulmalik directed the plaintiffs to formally respond to the stay application and adjourned the matter to January 23 for the hearing of the motion. In their recusal motion, the Turaki faction cited twelve grounds, arguing their constitutional right to a fair and impartial hearing under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, and highlighted prior ex-parte orders they claim prejudiced them in favour of the Wike-aligned faction.

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Taiwo Oyedele Says He Faces Death Threats Over Nigeria’s Sweeping Tax Reforms

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Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has disclosed that he has received threats to his life due to his involvement in implementing Nigeria’s sweeping tax reforms. Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at a governance colloquium celebrating the 50th birthday of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hajiya Hadiza Bala-Usman, Oyedele said pushing reforms that challenge entrenched interests requires courage in a system historically resistant to change. “Reforms are hard, and tax reforms are even harder. You need courage. I receive threats simply for trying to fix a broken system,” he said. He identified weak public trust in government, low tax compliance, and misunderstandings about fiscal policies as major obstacles. Oyedele explained that Nigeria’s tax revenue remains far below that of peer countries, making comprehensive reforms necessary. Oyedele urged supporters of the reforms to speak out, warning that silence allows opponents to control the narrative. He noted that many Nigerians mistakenly believe the reforms introduce new taxes, when in fact they reduce and harmonise existing levies. “Implementing these reforms carries significant political, economic, and reputational risks. You need courage to push through,” he added, likening the changes to a surgical fix rather than previous short-term solutions. Despite facing online abuse and personal threats, Oyedele defended the reform strategy, emphasizing it as essential for long-term fiscal stability. “What we have been doing all my adult life with the tax system was a pain reliever. Now we’re doing the surgery. It will come with pain, but it is the only right thing to do,” he said. He concluded by expressing optimism about the country’s progress, describing the current reform momentum as unprecedented and urging Nigerians to remain committed to achieving sustainable fiscal growth.

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